Hillsboro School District Weekly Hot News January 26, 2026 - February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month - an annual celebration of life stories, achievements, and triumphs by Black/African/African Americans, and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that help shape our country's history, present, and future. It is an opportunity to reflect on how the contributions of Black/African/African American people impact our everyday lives. And while we do study and celebrate the diversity and contributions of Black/African/African Americans during this time, these conversations and lessons are not limited to the month of February - they take place throughout the entire year. When our students’ diversity is appreciated and visible, they all thrive from learning about one another. It’s never too early to begin celebrating and teaching your child about Black leaders. Even more importantly, to allow the stories of these leaders to inspire the leadership capacities within your child. Participate in the Black History events, celebrations, and learning opportunities that are scheduled in your community. Ask your child and the staff about the activities and commemorations taking place in their school. Watch videos, read books, and engage with people that represent Black/African/African American heritage and culture. Also, please plan to attend our district-wide Black History Celebration on Thursday, February 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at South Meadows Middle School. This year marks the 100th that Black History Month or Week has been celebrated, and the theme is music! Please join us for live entertainment, a complimentary meal, arts and crafts, student and local vendors, and more. Our featured student is Glencoe senior Nicole Ayala Congachi. She was recently awarded a full-ride QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship to Yale University! Nicole had this to say about finding out she had matched with Yale: “It was incredible but also intimidating. Yale was a dream school, not a goal school. I make the distinction because I genuinely didn’t plan on applying to Yale at all. My goal was getting into the University of Oregon on a full scholarship. I didn’t think the work I had done was ‘impressive enough’ for a place like Yale, nor was I trying to make it impressive. I sincerely enjoy the volunteering I do and the councils and committees I’m a part of, so getting in felt like an unexpected gift. It also wouldn’t have happened without the encouragement of people around me…friends, teachers, family, people I volunteered with, internships - everyone who gave me the chance to grow and learn played a role in this, and I really cannot express more gratitude.” Learn more about this impressive accomplishment, and read Nicole’s words of advice and encouragement to other students, on our website. Way to go and congratulations, Nicole! You make us Proud to be HSD! First semester ends on Thursday, January 29. There will be no school for all students on Friday, January 30, for teacher grade prep; or on Monday, February 2, for licensed prep. School resumes and second semester begins on Tuesday, February 3. Hot News is produced and emailed to HSD families and staff each week school is in session. Please add the address to your “safe sender” list to make sure you always receive the latest issue. Please also bookmark our district website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hsd.k12.or.us⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to stay informed about what’s happening in our district and schools.